The entire strike against the ordinance that forbids nonviolent protests is observed by AJK.

Due to a presidential edict that forbids nonviolent rallies, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is going on full strike Thursday.

As a result of a protest call by the Jammu & Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), public transportation is banned throughout the region, while stores and educational institutions stay shuttered.

Participants in AJK protests face a seven-year jail sentence under the ordinance. The JKJAAC and civil society organizations contend that this policy infringes upon the constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful assembly, raising concerns.

The AJK Supreme Court temporarily halted the “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance, 2024” earlier this week. After two appeals contesting a high court decision that had maintained the contentious law were admitted, this decision was made.

Following their demands being met by the government, the JKJAAC canceled its rallies against rising inflation in May. But throughout these protests, there were violent altercations that resulted in at least three fatalities and several injuries.